A big glowing punch bowl does more for a party’s atmosphere than almost any other single item on the table. Here are three kid- and family-friendly versions.
1. Witch’s Brew Punch
Combine lime sherbet, ginger ale, and green fruit punch. Float dry ice (in a separate heat-safe container inside the bowl, never directly in the liquid people will drink) for a smoking cauldron effect.
You’ll need: lime sherbet, ginger ale, green fruit punch, dry ice (optional)
2. Vampire’s Kiss Punch
Mix cranberry juice, black cherry soda, and a splash of grenadine for a deep blood-red color. Freeze plastic spider rings into ice cubes ahead of time and drop them in as they melt.
You’ll need: cranberry juice, black cherry soda, grenadine, plastic spider rings
3. Monster Mash Punch
Orange sherbet, orange soda, and a few drops of green food coloring for a bubbling, monster-green look kids especially love.
You’ll need: orange sherbet, orange soda, green food coloring
Tip for All Three
Freeze a portion of the juice into a ring mold ahead of time so your ice doesn’t dilute the punch too quickly once the party gets going — a detail that’s easy to skip but makes a real difference over a two-hour party.
Which punch is winning at your party this year? Let us know in the comments.